Peru - Peru Itinerary feedback? 3 questions

Just wanted to ask around experienced travelers.

Day 1 Arrival 4:35am Lim -> straight to Cusco
Day 2 Cusco
Day 3 Inca Trail (4days/3nights) with perutreks
Day 4 Inca Trail
Day 5 Inca Trail
Day 6 Inca Trail
Day 7 8:35am flight to Puerto Maldonado, arrive 9:30am -> straight on a tour (Sandoval?/Caymen?/Refugio?)
Day 8 Amazon
Day 9 1pm flight to LIM
Day 10 10pm flight out of LIM

We get in to LIM at 4:35am and would like to travel Cusco right away. There are flights departing at 6:50am or 9:05am. Would we have enough time to get on the 6:50am flight (clear customs/baggage?)?

Is there a difference between the 1pm or 2pm flight out of PEM to LIM? Would we get to go on an activity at PEM by taking the later flight?

Any suggestions with PEM? or overall feedback? Thanks!

I think you might be short changing yourself with only 1 day in Cuzsco. I had 3 days there in sept and felt like I needed more.

Not too many international flights by Asian or US standards so think you would be fine there with the quick LIM transit.

Note, we had theft from our checked baggage when we were through there (including cut locks) so pack wisely.

I concur with spending an extra day in Cuzco. Not only there is a lot to see, but it will give you some time to get used to the altitude before you go on the Inka trail.
Two hours should be more than enough to clear immigration and customs, and to connect to the flight to Cuzco (of course that is assuming your flight is on time).

right now, if we get there at 9:30am, that would be 2 full days in cusco...so, push inca trail back one more day?

thanks again for your comments. Will book the 6:50am flight out of Lima to Cusco.

You can see a lot in two full days at Cuzco. However, remember that you will not be walking/moving too fast or else you'll get 'soroche', which is the local name for altitude sickness. If you have time to spare, take an extra day and enjoy the city and its surroundings before embarking on the Inka trail. Have fun!

We get in to LIM at 4:35am and would like to travel Cusco right away. There are flights departing at 6:50am or 9:05am. Would we have enough time to get on the 6:50am flight (clear customs/baggage?)?


I think it's enough time. However I know there are more flight within that window time (8:30am, 7:45am, 7:00am). Actually there are like 15 daily mornging flights, starting at 5am. Anyway 6:50am is fine if you arrive on time

Headed there in Sept and pressed for time. What's the shortest amount of time someone in decent shape could safely hike to the top?

Headed there in Sept and pressed for time. What's the shortest amount of time someone in decent shape could safely hike to the top?

Huh??? Hike to top of MP I presume is your question?

Well, there is a bus service that runs all the way up from AC. No need to hike. However, if you are referring to the "classic" or other sections of the Inca Trail to MP, anything from 2 to 4 days to get there.

Remember, fitness is no predictor of altitude sickness. I've seen Ironman qualifiers get hit on day 1 above 10,000 ft.

No offence by I personally think MP is not the best visit if you are "pressed for time".

thanks for everyone's response....

any ideas on which lodge to go to in PM?

We know that it wont be the 4 seasons, but somewhere with a bed and warm showers would be appreciated. Also, with great wildlife trails/boat rides. Thanks!

4:35 AM to 6:50 AM is plenty of time for clearing imm/customs. Take the 1 PM not the 2 PM. If there are delays or cancellations...